In vitro activity of disinfectants against Aspergillus spp

Area of Science:

• Environmental Microbiology
• Mycology
• Hospital-Acquired Infections

Background:

• Aspergillus species are ubiquitous environmental fungi, posing a risk for hospital-acquired mycoses.
• Effective disinfection strategies are crucial in healthcare settings to control Aspergillus contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of four common disinfectants against Aspergillus species isolated from a veterinary environment.
• To determine the Minimum Inhibiting Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of tested disinfectants.

Main Methods:

• The study utilized a modified CLSI M38-A2 microdilution technique to test four disinfectants against 18 Aspergillus isolates.
• Minimum Inhibiting Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were determined after 72 hours of incubation.

Main Results:

• Chlorexidine-cetrimine, benzalconium chloride, and a chlorophenol derivative demonstrated effectiveness against all tested Aspergillus isolates.
• Sodium hypochlorite showed reduced effectiveness, being ineffective against several strains of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus niger.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights the variable efficacy of disinfectants against environmental Aspergillus isolates.
• Chlorexidine-cetrimine, benzalconium chloride, and chlorophenol derivatives are recommended for controlling Aspergillus in similar environments, unlike sodium hypochlorite.